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Temporary Graduate Visa 485 Australia 2026: Streams, Age Limit and Stay Periods
Updated: 2 days ago
The subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa allows eligible international graduates to live, study and work in Australia after completing qualifying Australian study. The current program is divided into distinct streams and applicants must apply for the stream they are eligible for.
485 family applications: rules commenced 13 November 2026
F2026L01500 applies to visa applications made on or after 13 November 2026. Earlier applications retain the earlier rules. Primary applicants must apply in Australia; secondary applicants may be inside or outside Australia, excluding immigration clearance, but must apply at the same time as, and combined with, the primary applicant.
Secondary eligibility is limited to specified cases: a qualifying Pacific-regional or Schedule 1 subitem 1222(5A) passport held by the primary applicant; a completed doctorate on their most recent student visa; all courses on that visa fully foreign-government-funded; a child born after their latest student or 485 grant; qualifying secondary student-visa history with that same primary applicant (including the 2 October 2026 and six-month alternatives); or qualifying secondary 485 history with that primary applicant within the current/six-month rules.
Onshore secondary applicants also need a substantive visa, a BVA/BVB granted on a valid visa application, or the specified recent ART student-cancellation outcome. These are application-validity requirements: marriage alone does not establish eligibility. Check item 1229(3)(e)–(h), subitem (4A), clause 485.311 and transitional clause 17001 before lodging.
Age requirement
Home Affairs states that the general age requirement is 35 years or under when applying, with defined exceptions. For example, certain Masters by research and doctoral graduates and Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holders can access higher age settings.
Post-Vocational Education Work stream
This stream is for eligible graduates with an associate degree, diploma or trade qualification relevant to an occupation Australia needs. Home Affairs currently states a stay of up to 18 months for most applicants.
Post-Higher Education Work stream
This stream is for eligible graduates with a recent degree from an Australian institution. Home Affairs currently states that the stay is usually between two and three years depending on the qualification.
Second Post-Higher Education Work stream
Eligible graduates who studied and continued to live in a designated regional area can potentially obtain a further one or two years, depending on the regional category and the other stream requirements.
Read our dedicated Second 485 Regional Visa guide.
Study requirement and stream selection matter
The subclass 485 requires recent eligible Australian study and an eligible visa history. Home Affairs also states that applicants cannot change streams after applying, which makes stream selection a critical pre-lodgement issue.
Official source
This article provides general information only. Age, qualification, English, Australian-study, health-insurance and timing requirements should be checked immediately before lodgement.